Local MP Antony Higginbotham spoke in Parliament to raise ASB and youth justice with the Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt MP this week.
Speaking in Business Questions Antony said:
In my constituency residents are contacting me about anti-social behaviour. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Padiham, in Burnley town centre or up on Colne Road.
When I speak to local police officers, they tell me the issues isn’t getting the police there, it’s with youth justice and successfully prosecuting a very small number of highly motivated young children.
Could we have a debate in Government time on anti-social behaviour and youth justice so we can find a solution to this problem?
Responding the Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt MP said:
My honourable friend is absolutely right to point to the team effort that is needed to really ensure that anti-social behaviour and communities are protected, and their lives not disrupted. But also to ensure that these young people are taken care of and enabled to lead a more productive path. I think it is a very good suggestion for a debate and I’d encourage him to apply for one.
Speaking after the debate Antony said:
I’ve had several incidents of unacceptable behaviour reported to me over the past few weeks. In Padiham, in Burnley town centre and also on Colne Road. And I’m clear that we must tackle the issue head on. That’s why I’ve been meeting with the police to see the action being taken to address it and have raised this with the Government.
We know that it is a small number of young people involved and is why I raised youth justice as individuals need to be held accountable. We all deserve to feel safe and I’ll continue to do all I can to make sure that is the case.
